How Humor Can Be A Vital HR Tool In & Out of the Workplace

Welcome to People Person! In this episode, host and Morning Brew Inc.'s SVP Head of People Operations Kate Noel, speaks with Ashley Bendell and Peter Phelan, the co-founders of Funny People, a comedy for for (and by!) HR pros. They discuss showing up to work as your authentic self, using humor as a tool at work, and how to know where the line is. Plus, why an HR humor show is proving to not only be comedic, but cathartic as well.  00:00: Intro  01:53: Why HR needs a humor space 07:10: Using humor to enforce policy   11:30: Not crossing the line with comedy  14:13: Bringing your authentic self is a powerful tool   19:00: When humor takes a turn  24:05: How a sense of humor helps with your work    This episode is sponsored by QuickBooks. To learn more, visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Join us at HR Brew’s first-ever Summit in NYC on April 21, 2026: The Talent 2030 Collective  https://www.hr-brew.com/events/the-talent-2030-collective?utm_campaign=hrb_me_042126&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=peopleperson For all upcoming HR Brew events: https://www.hr-brew.com/events  Read more about Funny People on HR Brew: https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2025/12/19/meet-the-funny-people-behind-nyc-s-hr-themed-comedy-show Follow Funny People: https://funnyhrpeople.com/ Subscribe to the HR Brew newsletter: https://www.hr-brew.com/subscribe Watch People Person on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@hr-brew Follow HR Brew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hr_brew/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hrbrew/ Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to peopleperson@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices People Person is a candid and conversational show where People Professionals can feel seen and heard, and learn from fellow experts in their field. Host and SVP, Head of People Operations at Morning Brew Inc, Kate Noel, brings years of expertise and a healthy sense of humor to discussions about the latest developments and insights that can help others enhance their workplace and their careers.  Biweekly episodes will feature Kate speaking with entertaining and experienced professionals about everything from holidays to healthcare, and AI to onboarding, in compelling episodes available everywhere you get your favorite Morning Brew podcasts.